Hardcore Knives and tools for Wilderness Camping: Half Breed Blades MIK-05P Half Breed blades Medium Infantry Knife, NEW and in Böhler's K340 ISODUR

Well it only seems fitting that an Australian reviews an Australian company's product and that company's product is none other than Half Breed Blades MIK-05P, their new medium sized Infantry knife being manufactured from that TNS* Böhler K340 ISODUR 8%Cr alloy cold working tool steel. But briefly K340 ISODUR is also utilised for ballistic armour!

Now I have to say that my personal experience with K340 is that it totally rocks as a hard working tool steel capable of cutting numerous objects and still holding an exceptional edge and resistant to chipping, even when encountering bone! So it's no surprise to me that K340 ISODUR will be another notch above K340. The process is an air melt then a remelt for a more "accurate" compositionally alloy.

Ok, so let's get started!

Im my experience when I see a very well presented product, ie the box the thing comes in, it tells me straight away that such a company is producing quality from the start. It's a hefty feeling box of very good construction with 2 magnetic catches securing the lid. It's not flimsy at all and yes, most of the box is recyclable if this is a worry. However, this box is something else. But let's not dwell upon the box too much. One other thing, this knife carries a Life Time Warranty! That speaks highly of the manufacturer's confidence in their products.

A simple sticker on the outside immediately tells you what product was/is inside the box (see below).

Sneak preview!

The MIK-05P comes in a range of colours. I chose OD/BLK, ie Olive Drab and Black!

Ok so inside we have several goodies: velcro moral patches, a certificate of authenticity, stickers and a sheet detailing the knife's specifications. I'm not going to repeat those statistics here, as you can easily take them from their website here. Instead I'll give you some information you can't get from them unless you already have one in your paws right now.

The MIK-05P knife has some interesting features, such as:

There are zero hot spots on the blade or handle. It has been very well finished in all dimensions. Gimping occurs in the right place for one's thumb. (remember, this is NOT a bush crafting knife, where one might expect some part of the spine to have an acute angle- there are zero acute angles here).

The handle features a deep scalloped set of G10 scales (USA made) which a totally non slip even without wearing gloves.

There is a double fuller and the spine is 6mm thick

and there is a Teflon coating over the entire blade to enhance corrosion resistance.

The tip is thick but not too thick and shows good penetrative power. Here (above image) I dropped it from about a metre into a hardwood log. Of course the knife wavered but the tip did not break.

What came in the box? (other than paper work?)

Malice-type clips (see below) for Pals/MOLLE pack mounting,

already fitted to the very well made** Kydex (USA sourced) scabbard (the over moulding is very good, with excellent knife retention/grab and zero rattle)

and a Tek-Lok style belt clip for those who want this carry option.

I'm a big fan of tanto blades-and drop points (not saying I don't like other styles but these are my favourites) and this tanto really gets my approval. ALL knives with exception of rescue type knives just have to have a good tip and the angle here on this MIK-05P is great.